Reindeer Treats for Santa: A Cute Snack Plate + Printable Note Idea

This reindeer snack plate is the sweetest little way to set out “Santa fuel” without baking a thing. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, cute enough for Christmas Eve, and fun for kids to help assemble. Bonus: I’m including a simple printable note idea you can copy, paste, and print in minutes.

What Are “Reindeer Treats”?

Think of this as a mini grazing board designed for Santa’s reindeer: crunchy, sweet, and snackable. I like using a mix of oats (for a “reindeer feed” vibe), fruit, pretzels, and a few chocolatey treats—then arranging everything so it looks intentional and festive. It’s not just adorable; it keeps portion sizes reasonable and cleanup quick.

Printable Note Idea (Copy + Paste)

Print on white cardstock, cut out, and set on the plate (or tape to a glass of milk). If you want it extra cute, punch a hole in the corner and tie it on with baker’s twine.

Note Text

Dear Santa,
We left you a little snack for your big night, and a treat for your reindeer, too.
Reindeer Treats: oats + crunchy bites + a few sweets
Thank you for visiting our home!
Love, ____________

Recipe: Reindeer Treats Snack Plate

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 (as a snack plate)

Ingredients

1 cup old-fashioned oats (or quick oats)
1/2 cup pretzel twists (or mini pretzels)
1/2 cup Chex cereal (rice or corn)
1/3 cup chocolate chips or red/green chocolate candies
1/3 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
1 banana, sliced (optional)
1 apple, sliced
1/2 cup baby carrots (optional “reindeer crunch”)
2 tablespoons nut butter or sunflower seed butter (optional dip)
2 tablespoons yogurt (optional, to loosen dip)

Instructions

Choose your base. Grab a medium platter, dinner plate, or small cutting board. If you’re using a wooden board, line it with parchment for easy cleanup.
Make the “reindeer feed” pile. Add oats to a small bowl or create a neat mound directly on one side of the plate. If you’re worried about mess, place the oats in a ramekin and set it on the board.
Add crunchy snacks. Arrange pretzels and Chex in two separate little clusters next to the oats. Think “three tidy piles” so it looks styled, not scattered.
Add sweet mix-ins. Sprinkle chocolate chips/candies and dried cranberries in small piles. (This is where it starts to look extra festive.)
Finish with fresh produce. Fan apple slices along the edge of the plate. Add banana slices and baby carrots if using. Keep fruit away from oats so the oats stay dry and crisp.
Optional dip. Stir nut butter with yogurt until it’s scoopable. Add to a small bowl and place on the plate.
Serve. Set out with a small spoon for the oats and a napkin. Add your printable note and you’re ready for Santa’s crew.

Tips for a Cute (and Easy) Snack Plate

Use little bowls. Ramekins keep oats, chocolate chips, and tiny pieces contained—especially helpful with excited kids.
Balance textures. Aim for at least one crunchy (pretzels), one chewy (dried fruit), and one fresh (apple) element.
Keep it dry. Moist fruit can soften oats fast. Separate piles or use bowls if you’re assembling early.
Allergy check. If this will be shared at a party or classroom event, skip nuts and use sunflower seed butter (or omit dip).

Swaps and Variations

“Snowy” version: Use mini marshmallows instead of chocolate chips.
More festive color: Add pomegranate arils or freeze-dried strawberries.
Protein boost: Add roasted chickpeas or a handful of pumpkin seeds (pepitas).
Gluten-free: Choose certified gluten-free oats and gluten-free pretzels/cereal.
Make it a mix: Toss oats, Chex, pretzels, cranberries, and candies together in a bowl, then pile onto the plate like “reindeer trail mix.”

Storage (and Make-Ahead)

This snack plate is best assembled close to serving so everything stays crisp. If you want to prep ahead, portion dry ingredients (oats, pretzels, cereal, chocolate, dried fruit) into separate containers up to 3 days in advance. Slice apples right before serving, or slice up to 4 hours ahead and keep in an airtight container in the fridge (a quick squeeze of lemon juice helps slow browning). If you make the dip, store it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days and stir before serving.

Serving Ideas (Santa Night and Beyond)

Christmas Eve setup: Place the snack plate next to a glass of milk and a couple of cookies for Santa.
Kid-friendly “reindeer station”: Let kids build their own mini cups of “reindeer feed” with oats + toppings.
Holiday brunch board add-on: Put this next to a fruit platter for something crunchy and sweet.
Party moment: Make individual plates for guests and tuck the printable note under each one as a place card.

FAQ

1) What can I use instead of oats for the reindeer “feed”?

Puffed rice cereal, granola, or even shredded coconut works great and keeps the same fun “feed” look.

2) Can I make these Reindeer Treats nut-free?

Yes—skip nut butter or use sunflower seed butter, and double-check your chocolate/candies for nut-free labeling.

3) How far ahead can I assemble the snack plate?

For best texture, assemble within 30–60 minutes. If needed, prep ingredients ahead and build right before setting it out.

4) What’s the easiest way to print the note at home?

Paste the note text into a document, choose a festive font, print on cardstock, and cut to size (about 3×4 inches looks nice).

5) Are Reindeer Treats actually safe to leave out overnight?

Dry snacks are generally fine for a few hours, but for food safety and freshness, it’s best to set the plate out right before bedtime and use only shelf-stable items if it will sit out longer.